Deadly 6.8 Earthquake Rocks Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru
A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake slammed southern Ecuador and northern Peru on Saturday, leaving at least 12 dead and many trapped under rubble. Rescue teams rushed to streets strewn with debris and snapped power lines in the chaos.
Epicentre Near Guayaquil Sends Shockwaves Through Region
The US Geological Survey pinpointed the quake just off the Pacific coast, roughly 50 miles south of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s second-largest city. Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso confirmed 12 fatalities during a live address.
One victim was crushed inside a vehicle by the collapse of a house in Cuenca, officials said. In nearby El Oro state, three people died and several remain trapped in their homes after buildings came crashing down.
Devastation in El Oro: Homes and Infrastructure Crumble
- A two-storey home in Machala collapsed before residents could escape.
- A pier gave way into the sea.
- Cracked walls in various buildings trapped an unknown number of people.
Firefighters battled to pull survivors from the wreckage while police assessed the damage. Downed power lines have knocked out phone and electricity services, hampering rescue efforts.
Guayaquil Faces Major Disruptions Amid Aftershocks
About 170 miles southwest of Ecuador’s capital Quito, Guayaquil reported cracked buildings and some collapsed walls. Authorities shut down three major road tunnels in the metro area of over 3 million residents as a precaution.
The earthquake has left the region on high alert as rescue workers race against time to save those trapped beneath the rubble.
